That little problem youÕve got is going to take some serious thinking.

SomethingÕs not working out right; itÕs not fixing an issue youÕre wrestling with. ItÕs frustrating. YouÕve tinkered and poked at it and youÕre finally convinced that what you need is for somebody to invent aÉ

So why not you? Author Patricia Nolan-Brown says that anyone can be an inventor, and in her new book ÒIdea to Invention,Ó she tells you how.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and Patricia Nolan-Brown embodies that old saw. Just after she became a mother for the first time, she noticed a need for a product that wasnÕt on store shelves Ð so she invented it.

But inventing Ð putting your ideas out there for acceptance or rejection Ð might seem scary. YouÕve seen TVÕs Shark Tank. YouÕve seen wannabes who go broke obsessing over hair-brained ideas. You have to be rich, super-talented, and highly educated be an inventor, right?

No, says Nolan-Brown. ÒOrdinary people create their own success all the timeÉÓ As long as you keep in mind Òsix-plus-six,Ó you can do it, too.

First, cultivate an ÒI.N.V.E.N.T.Ó personality. Maintain a childlike Inquisitiveness. Be curious and observant. Practice your Nerve to stay the course and ignore naysayers. Use your Voice to display your passion. Keep your Energy level high by taking care of you. Feed your dreams the proper Nourishment by surrounding yourself with Òcheerleaders.Ó And stick with it. Tenacity is the key.

Next, think about your product while researching. Is there something else like it in stores? Does your idea improve on something thatÕs already available? WhoÕs your potential customer?

Become familiar with terms and procedures youÕll need to know in order to bring your product to market. Determine the answers to ÒSo what? Who Cares? WhatÕs in it for me?Ó Be careful to keep your ideas quiet while youÕre in the early stages, before youÕve filed for a patent Ð which, incidentally, may be something you can do yourself.

Finally, put fear of failure aside and Òtry something on your own.Ó Says Nolan-Brown, ÒÉ the longest journey begins with a single step. ItÕs time to take it.ÓDid you ever see something useful / unique / cool and say, ÒI coulda thought of that.Ó Now you will, with ÒIdea to Invention.Ó

With overflowing enthusiasm, author Patricia Nolan-Brown helps readers take their creative notions from mind to market, step-by-side-step. Though she calls it Òsimple,Ó I thought her method was anything but: thereÕs a lot to know when youÕre an inventing entrepreneur, including that things get complicated.

But thatÕs okay. Nolan-Brown is very thorough here, and answers all kinds of issues before theyÕd normally pop up on the path to production. ThatÕs helpful, like someone holding your hand in the process.

If youÕve had a brainstorm for a new product but you donÕt have a clue how to proceed, get to a bookshelf soon. This Bible for Builders should be the next thing you read. For you, ÒIdea to InventionÓ is what I seriously think you need.